JP6832815B2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine for washing clothes and the like.

The amount of dirt that adheres to clothing changes depending on the living environment. Therefore, in a washing program that performs a uniform washing operation, unwashed clothes may be generated especially in clothes having a large amount of dirt. In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-67312 (Patent Document 1), the amount of dirt in the washing liquid is estimated and the washing time is determined.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-67312

By the way, in general, a drum-type washing machine is composed of an outer tub for storing washing liquid, a drum rotatably supported in the outer tub, and a driving device for rotating the drum. The rotation of the drum lifts the clothes accumulated in the lower part of the drum, and the gravity is stronger than the centrifugal force on the clothes, so that the clothes are dropped from above the drum and a mechanical force is given to the clothes. Wash with (tapping).

Patent Document 1 estimates the amount of dirt with high accuracy and determines the cleaning time. However, if the cleaning time is long, the drive device generates heat, which may cause smoke or fire.

Further, when the drive device becomes high in temperature, the insulating property may be lowered and the life may be shortened.

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that controls operation according to a detected amount of dirt while ensuring safety.

In order to solve such a problem, for example, the washing machine according to the present invention has a housing, an outer tub that is elastically supported in the housing and can store liquid inside, and a rotatable outer tub. A drum that is supported by the laundry and houses the laundry, a driving device that rotationally drives the drum, a temperature detecting means that detects the temperature of the driving device, and a conductivity of water supplied to the outer tub. With the electric conductivity detecting means, the detergent type determining means for determining the type of detergent based on the electric conductivity detected by the electric conductivity detecting means, and the detergent type determining means with the rotation of the drum stopped. The stain judgment value is calculated from the reference value for determining the stain concentration before the stain is dissolved and the conductivity after the stain is dissolved, which is calculated according to the type of the determined detergent, and is used as the stain determination value. A stain concentration determining means for determining the stain concentration of laundry in the outer tub based on the amount of clothes, and an operation control means for controlling the drive device, the temperature detecting means, the detergent type determining means, and the stain concentration determining means. In a washing machine including, the operation control means detects a washing time set based on the stain concentration determined by the stain concentration determining means and the temperature detecting means after executing the first tapping operation. From the temperature, the time for the drum to rotate in one direction is set during the stirring step of the washing, and the second washing is performed based on the set washing time and the time for the drum to rotate in one direction. It is executed, the temperature of the driving device at the time of the second tapping estimated from the set washing time and the temperature of the driving device is estimated, and when the estimated temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the drum is moved. The configuration is such that the time to rotate in the direction is shortened.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a washing machine that performs optimum operation control according to the detected amount of dirt while ensuring safety.

It is an exploded perspective view which shows the washing machine of this embodiment. It is an external perspective view which shows the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a schematic side view which shows the internal structure of the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a schematic plan view which shows the internal structure of the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a schematic front view which shows the internal structure of the upper left side of the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a perspective view which shows the outer tub in the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a vertical sectional view of the central part of the outer tub in the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a rear view of the outer tub in the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the electric conductivity detecting means of the washing machine of this embodiment, (a) is a perspective view of an electrode, (b) is a vertical sectional view of a central part. It is a functional block diagram in the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a process drawing explaining the operation process of the washing operation in the washing machine of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which determines the detergent type in the washing machine of this embodiment, and determines the detergent melting operation time. It is a functional diagram of the conductivity detection means in the washing machine of this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drum-type washing machine S of this embodiment is a drum-type washing machine including at least an outer tub 2, a drum 3, and a motor M (see FIG. 3) for rotationally driving the drum 3. If so, it is applicable, and an example thereof will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, in the drum-type washing machine S, the front-back, up-down, left-right directions will be described with the direction in which the door 25 is located as the front side.

As shown in FIG. 1, the drum-type washing machine S has a housing 1 whose outer shell is formed by combining a steel plate and a resin molded product, and has a drying function. In the drum-type washing machine S, the rotation axis of the substantially drum-shaped drum 3 is arranged slightly obliquely to the door 9 arranged on the front surface of the housing 1, and the drum 3 rotates around the rotation axis. It is a device for washing laundry such as clothes thrown in from the door 9. The drum-type washing machine S includes a housing 1, an outer tub 2, a drum 3, a detergent charging unit 20 (see FIG. 2), a water supply unit 15 (water supply means) (see FIG. 4), an operation panel 6, and a damper 5, which will be described later. (See FIG. 3), operation switches 8a and 8b (see FIG. 2), display 22 (see FIG. 2), door 25, drive device M10 (see FIG. 3), temperature sensor T1 (water temperature detecting means), and conduction. It is provided with a degree sensor 4 (hardness detecting means, detergent type detecting means, dirt concentration detecting means), a control device 100 (operation control means) (see FIG. 3), and the like.

The housing 1 is a housing that forms the appearance shape of the drum-type washing machine S and wraps and holds the components of the drum-type washing machine S. The housing 1 has a front panel (front plate) 11 arranged on the front surface, side panels (side plates) 14A and 14B arranged on the left and right side surfaces, and a sheet metal plate metal (metal, colored steel plate) by press working or the like. The back panel (back plate) 16 which is formed in a substantially U-shape in top view and arranged on the back surface by press working or the like, the base 17 arranged on the bottom side of the outer tank 3, and the upper side of the outer tank 3. It has an upper surface panel (upper plate, top panel) 18 arranged in the above, and is attached to each of them to form a substantially box shape. A detergent charging section 20, a display 22, a drying filter 37, and the like for charging detergent and the like are attached to the upper surface of the housing 1.

The left and right side panels 14A and 14B are connected to the front upper reinforcing plate 31, the front lower reinforcing plate 32, the upper reinforcing plate 35, and the upper connecting reinforcing portion 36, which are internally provided in the housing 1. Further, the back panel 16 is connected to the upper reinforcing plate 35 by the upper connecting reinforcing portion 36. The upper connecting reinforcing portion 36 is molded from a synthetic resin, extends in the front-rear direction, and is arranged so as to be located at the central portion in the left-right direction. As the synthetic resin, a resin having high strength and excellent wear resistance, specifically, POM (polyoxymethylene resin) can be selected.

At substantially the center of the front panel 11, a door 25 that closes a slot for loading and unloading laundry is supported by a hinge (not shown) so as to be openable and closable. The door 25 is provided with a door handle 23 for releasing the lock mechanism (not shown) of the door 25. By pulling the door handle 23, the lock mechanism is released and the door 25 is opened, and by pressing the door 25 against the front panel 11, the door 25 is locked and closed. As shown in FIG. 3, a bellows 24, an outer tank 2, a drum 3, a motor M, and the like are arranged inside the front panel 11. An operation panel 19, a detergent charging section 20, and a drying filter 37 are arranged on the top panel 18.

The upper surface panel 18 is provided with the water supply hose connection port 18f from the tap and the water supply hose connection port 18g of the remaining hot water of the bath exposed. Inside the top panel 18, parts related to water supply such as the water supply unit 15, water supply pipes P1 and P2, detergent delivery pipe P3, water supply hose 32, water supply solenoid valve 21, and bath water supply pump 7 are internally installed. There is. Further, a damper 5, a circulation pump 54, a base 17, and the like are set in the lower part of the housing 1.

The operation panel 19 is a horizontally long panel member arranged on the upper part of the housing 1, and includes a power switch 9, operation switches 8a, 8b, a display 22, and the like. The operation panel 19 is electrically connected to the control device 100 provided inside the housing 1.

On the left side of the operation panel 19, a detergent lid 20a is provided to close the inlet for charging the detergent, bleach, soft finish, and the like. The detergent lid 20a is supported so as to be openable and closable by a hinge (not shown) composed of a spring and a damper. The detergent lid 20a is provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) for the detergent lid 20a. When the detergent lid 20a is pressed downward with the detergent lid 20a closed, the lock mechanism is released and the detergent lid 20a is opened, and when the detergent lid 20a is pressed downward with the detergent lid 20a open, the lock mechanism is locked and closed.

A drawer-type drying filter 37 is provided on the rear side of the operation panel 19. The drying filter 37 is provided with a mesh type filter (not shown) so as to remove lint and the like. Cleaning of the drying filter 37 is performed by pulling out the drying filter 37 and wiping off lint and the like on the mesh portion.

The detergent charging unit 20 is a portion to which detergents such as the powder detergent, liquid detergent (or bleaching agent), and soft finishing agent (soft finishing agent) are charged, and is, for example, at the front left end portion on the upper surface of the housing 1. Have been placed. The detergent charging section includes a water supply unit 15, a removable detergent tray 26 housed in the water supply unit 15, a powder detergent charging chamber 26a, a liquid detergent charging chamber 26b, and a flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c formed in the detergent tray 26. , The outlet 27 and the siphon 28 provided at the bottom of the detergent tray 26, the water supply pipes P1 and P2 for supplying water to the detergent inlet 20, and the detergent and detergent in the detergent inlet 20 are supplied to the outer tank 2. It has a detergent delivery pipe P3 and the like.

The detergent tray 26 includes a powder detergent charging chamber 26a into which powder detergent is charged, a liquid detergent charging chamber 26b in which liquid detergent (or bleach) is charged, and a flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c in which a soft finishing agent is charged. It is partitioned.
On the rear side of the detergent tray 26, parts related to water supply such as a water supply solenoid valve 21, a bath water supply pump 7, and a water level sensor 58 are provided. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is connected to the water supply unit 15 by water supply pipes P1 and P2.

Here, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is composed of a plurality of solenoid valves (for example, four solenoid valves), and by opening and closing the first solenoid valve, the powder detergent charging chamber 26a and the liquid detergent are passed through the water supply pipe P1. Water is supplied to the charging chamber 26b, water is supplied to the flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c via the water supply pipe P2 by opening and closing the second solenoid valve, and water is supplied to the flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c by opening and closing the third solenoid valve via the water supply pipe (not shown). By directly supplying water to the water supply port 29 of the outer tank 2 and opening and closing the fourth solenoid valve, water can be supplied to the water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) of the ventilation duct 40 via the water supply pipe (not shown). It has become like.

The water supply unit 15 is fixed to the upper surface panel 18 of the housing 1. The bottom surface of the water supply unit 15 is cut diagonally in order to prevent interference with the outer tank 2, and the right side is shallow and the left side is deep when viewed from the front. Further, a water outlet 15a is provided behind the left side of the water supply unit. Therefore, the bottom surface of the water supply unit 15 is formed in a mortar shape so that the position of the water outlet 15a is the lowest.

In the powder detergent charging chamber 26a, an outlet 27 communicating with the detergent delivery pipe P3 and the water supply port outer tank 2a is formed on the inner bottom. The water supplied from the water supply pipe P1 into the powder detergent input chamber 26a flows in a clockwise direction in a swirling manner to dissolve the powder detergent, flows into the outlet 27, and flows into the detergent delivery pipe P3.

The liquid detergent charging chamber 26b is provided with a siphon 28 communicating with the outlet 27 and the detergent delivery pipe P3 on the inner bottom, and flows in a swirling manner to dilute the liquid detergent and flows into the siphon 28 to flow into the detergent delivery pipe P3. Flow inward. The water supplied from the water supply pipe P1 into the liquid detergent input chamber 26b flows in a swirling direction in a counterclockwise direction to dissolve the liquid detergent, flows into the outflow port 27, and flows into the detergent delivery pipe P3.

The flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c is provided with a siphon 28 communicating with the outlet 27 and the detergent delivery pipe P3 on the inner bottom. The water supplied from the water supply pipe P2 into the flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c flows in a clockwise direction to dilute the flexible finishing agent and flows into the siphon 28 into the detergent delivery pipe P3 (see FIG. 2). Flow to.

≪Construction of drying filter and drying duct≫
A drying unit 38 that generates warm air is connected to the downstream side of the drying filter 37. The drying unit 38 is configured to include a blower and a heater (not shown), and is fixed to an upper reinforcing plate 35 provided in the housing 1. The blower is composed of a drive motor, a fan impeller driven by the motor, and a fan case accommodating the fan impeller. The heater is built in the fan case and heats the air sent from the fan impeller. The heater is composed of a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater or the like.

The drying unit 38 is connected to the air duct 40 via a rubber bellows tube 50. The air duct 40 is installed inside the back surface of the housing 1, and is attached so as to block a concave duct portion 41 integrally formed with the outer tank 2 by resin molding and a part of the duct portion 41. It is composed of a blower duct cover 43. The duct portion 41 is formed so as to extend substantially in the vertical direction, and is formed at a position biased to the right side from the center of the outer tank 2.

Further, at the lower part of the air duct 40, a substantially rectangular suction port (not shown) is formed which communicates with the inside of the outer tank 2 (the side where the drum 3 is arranged) and sucks air during the drying operation. ing.

A known water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism is provided in the duct portion 41. For example, in the drying process, when the drying unit 38 is operated while rotating the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions, the air in the outer tank 2 is sucked into the air duct 40 and passed through the air duct 40. Cooling water is supplied from the water supply electromagnetic valve 21 to the water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) via the water supply pipe (not shown) to cool and dehumidify. Then, the dehumidified air is heated by the heater of the drying unit 38 and blown toward the laundry in the drum 3. The drying means is not limited to a configuration in which a heater and a water-cooled dehumidifying mechanism (not shown) are combined, and a heat pump or the like may be used.

The control device 100 (operation control means) controls the motor M and the water supply unit 15 to enable the washing operation, and calculates the conductivity from the conductivity of the liquid in the outer tank 2 detected by the conductivity sensor 4. , A device that determines the presence or absence of a soft finishing agent contained in a liquid, determines the shortening of the dehydration process, determines the shortening of the rinsing process, and the like. The control device 100 includes a microcomputer, a drive circuit, operation switches 8a and 8b, a conductivity sensor 4, input circuits from various sensors, and the like. The microcomputer receives various information signals in the user's operation, washing process, and drying process. The microcomputer is connected to the motor M, the water supply solenoid valve 21, the drain valve 53, the blower fan 39, etc. via a drive circuit, and controls their opening / closing, rotation, and energization. In addition, the display 22, the buzzer, and the like are controlled in order to inform the user of information about the drum-type washing machine S.

As shown in FIG. 3, the motor M is a device for rotationally driving the drum 3, and is installed in the center of the outside of the bottom surface of the outer tank 2. The rotating shaft of the motor M penetrates the outer tank 2 and is coupled to the drum 3. The motor M includes a rotation detection device 70 composed of a Hall element or a photo interrupter for detecting the rotation thereof, a motor current detection device 72 for detecting the current flowing through the motor M, and a motor temperature detection for detecting the temperature of the motor M. It is equipped with a sensor 160.

The water supply unit 15 (water supply means) is a device for supplying water to the water supply port 2a provided outside the outer tank 2 and supplying water into the outer tank 2. The water supply unit 15 is provided on the back side of the top panel 18.
The water supply unit 15 includes a water supply hose (not shown), a water supply hose connection port 18f, a water supply solenoid valve 21, a bath water water supply pump 7, the water absorption hose connection port 18 g, the water level sensor 58, and the tube. 57 and are installed.

The water supply hose (not shown) is a hose for supplying tap water to the detergent input section 20 into which the detergent, the soft finishing agent, etc. are charged, and is connected to the water supply hose connection port 18f.
The water supply hose connection port 18f is a connection portion to which one end of a hose (not shown) attached to a tap water faucet is connected to the other end.
The water supply solenoid valve 21 injects tap water into the water supply pipe P1 communicating with the powder detergent charging chamber 26a and the liquid detergent charging chamber 26b of the detergent charging section 20 and the water supply pipe P2 communicating with the flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c. It is a valve that controls the opening and closing of the valve body by electromagnetic force. The tap water supplied into the powder detergent charging chamber 26a, the liquid detergent charging chamber 26b, and the flexible finishing agent charging chamber 26c, together with the detergents and the flexible finishing agent, enters the outer tank 2 via the detergent delivery pipe P3 and the water supply port 2a. Water is injected.
The bath water supply pump 7 is a pump that sucks and takes in the remaining hot water of the bath and injects water into the outer tank 2.
The water absorption hose connection port 18g is a connection portion to which a hose for supplying bath water is connected, and communicates with the bath water water supply pump 7.

The drum 3 is an inner tub that is rotatably supported in the outer tub 2 about a rotation axis and accommodates laundry, and is a washing formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape (drum shape) with an open front end. It is a tub (washing tub and drying tub). An opening 3a for taking in and out laundry is formed on the front end surface of the drum 3, and a fluid balancer (not shown) integrated with the drum 3 is provided on the radial outside of the opening 3a. ing. The drum 3 is connected to the motor M via a rotation shaft (not shown) at the center of the bottom surface, and is rotated by the motor M.

The drum 3 is a bottomed cylindrical container, and is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft of the motor M. A plurality of through holes 3b for water passage and ventilation are formed in the outer peripheral wall 3c of the drum 3. The rotation center axis of the drum 3 is inclined so as to be horizontal or higher on the opening 3a side.

The outer tank 2 is a drum-shaped water tank in which water to be used is poured into the inside and temporarily stored during washing and rinsing, and is vibration-proof supported in the housing 1. The outer tank 2 is composed of a bottomed cylindrical body having an opening on the clothing inlet 2s side, and each has a water supply port 2a, an outer peripheral wall 2c, a bottom wall 60, a back surface 61, a groove 62, a recessed portion 63, a rib 64, and an electric conductivity. It is provided with a sensor 4, a drain port 51, and the like.

A drum 3 is rotatably supported on one end side of the bottom surface of the rear portion of the outer tank 2, and a rotation shaft of the motor M is pivotally supported on the other end side. Inside the outer tank 2, a drum 3 having the rotating shaft fixed to the bottom surface of the rear portion is housed in a rotatable state by supporting the rotating shaft. The front surface of the outer tank 2 is elastically supported by the rubber bellows 24 on the front inner wall of the housing 1, and the lower surface is elastically vibration-proof supported by the damper 5 fixed to the base 17. Further, the upper surface portion is elastically suspended from the ceiling surface of the housing 1 by an auxiliary spring (not shown) attached to the upper connecting reinforcing portion 36 to prevent the outer tank 2 from falling in the front-rear direction.

On the upper left side of the rear side of the outer tank 2, a water supply port 2a (supply port) for supplying a liquid containing water, a detergent, a bleaching agent, a soft finishing agent, etc. into the outer tank 2 is provided. A water supply unit 15 is provided on the upper left side of the housing 1, and the water supply port 2a and the water outlet 30 of the water supply unit 15 are connected by a rubber bellows pipe P4.

A drainage port 51 is provided at the lowermost portion on the rear side of the outer tank 2, and a hose 51 is connected to the drainage port 51. The hose 51 is connected to the drain hose 55 via a circulation pump 54 connected to the drain valve 53, and the washing water can be drained from the drain hose 55 to the outside of the machine. An air trap 56 is provided at the lowermost part of the rear end surface of the outer tank 2, and is connected to the water level sensor 58 by a tube 57 to detect the water level in the outer tank 2.

As described above, the outer tank 2 has an outer peripheral wall 2c and a bottom wall 60. The outer peripheral wall 2c and the bottom wall 60 are connected by a curved surface. On the back surface 61 (inner surface) of the bottom wall 60 of the outer tank 2, a liquid containing water, detergent, bleach, etc. is guided from the water supply port 2a to the lower portion of the outer tank 2 along the bottom wall 60 and the outer peripheral wall 2c. Water supply path 65 (groove 62) is formed. The water supply path 65 is a path that guides the water supplied to the upper part of the outer tank 2 so as to flow through the curved surface to the recessed portion 63 formed in the inner bottom portion 66 of the outer tank 2.

The inner bottom portion 66 vertically below the outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer tank 2 is provided with a substantially concave recessed portion 63 extending in the axial direction. The bottom surface 63a of the recessed portion 63 is formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view, and the entire surface is inclined toward the drain port 51. The rear side of the bottom surface 63a of the recessed portion 63 has a conductivity sensor 4 on the left rear side and the drainage port 51 on the right side when viewed from the front.

The recessed portion 63 exits from the through hole 3b of the drum 3 to the inner surface of the outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer tank 2 by centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 3 during dehydration, and receives water flowing in the same direction as the rotation direction of the drum 3. It functions to lead to the drain port 51. The recessed portion 63 has a plate-shaped rib 64 projecting horizontally from the left side to the entire upper right end portion when viewed from the front. The recess 63 having the rib 64 further ensures the function of the recess 63 that receives the water flowing in the same direction as the rotation direction (counterclockwise direction) of the drum 3 and guides it to the drain port 51.

The recessed portion 63 is a portion having a substantially concave groove shape when viewed in the front-rear direction, which is formed in the central portion of the inner bottom portion 61 of the outer peripheral wall 2c in the outer tank 2, and the lower end portion 62a of the groove 62. It is formed below. The recessed portion 63 is provided with a conductivity sensor 4, the rib 64, and the drainage port 51.

The liquid that has fallen from the groove 62 falls on the conductivity sensor 4 and then flows to the drain port 51 side so that the liquid does not remain on the conductivity sensor 4. Moreover, the conductivity sensor 4 is provided at a position where the water supplied from the water supply port 2a first comes into contact with it. Therefore, when tap water is supplied, it can be measured correctly. Even when a detergent or a soft finish is supplied, it is possible to detect that the water contains the detergent or the soft finish. Further, since the conductivity sensor 4 is arranged inside the recess 63, it is possible to detect the conductivity of water in which dirt from detergent or clothes is dissolved.

Since the outer tank 2 is arranged so as to be inclined together with the drum 3, the liquid in the recess 63 flows out to the drain port 51.

Further, a circulation discharge port (not shown) is formed on the bottom surface 63a of the recessed portion 63, and by operating the circulation pump 54, the water sucked from the drain port 51 is circulated and discharged (not shown). It can be discharged from. The circulation discharge port (not shown) is formed on the front side of the recess 63, and the water discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) flows through the recess 63 from the front side in the rear direction. , It is designed to go to the drainage port 51. Further, the circulation discharge port (not shown) is arranged at a position covered with the rib 64 so that the water discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) does not directly hit the drum 3.

The circulation pump 54 includes a casing 67, a lint filter 68, a pump (not shown), and a drain valve 53, and is fixed to the base 17. The pump (not shown) includes a drive motor, a runner driven by the motor, and a cover for supporting the rotating shaft of the motor and connecting to the casing 67.

The lint filter 68 is detachably housed in the casing 67, collects lint and foreign matter mixed with the liquid in the casing, and is configured to prevent the lint and foreign matter from flowing out to the pump (not shown). There is. As a result, lint and foreign matter are entangled with the runner rotating by the motor, and the runner and the motor are prevented from being damaged.

The casing 67 is connected to the outer tub 2 via a hose 53, and the liquid in the outer tub 2 is taken into the casing 67. The casing 67 and the pump (not shown) are located substantially to the right of the casing 67 and are connected by communication holes. Two discharge ports (not shown) are provided at a substantially upper right portion of the casing 67. By rotationally driving the pump (not shown), a circulation path for discharging from the circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recess 63 and a discharge port (not shown) provided at the opening of the outer tank 2 via the circulation hose 69. The liquid in the casing 67 is discharged into the circulation path to be discharged into the drum 3 from (not shown). Further, the casing 67 is provided with a temperature sensor T1 so that the temperature of the liquid in the casing 67 can be detected.

The electric conductivity sensor 4 is an electric conductivity sensor (hardness sensor, dirt sensor, detergent type determination sensor) that detects the electric conductivity of the liquid used for washing, and is located near the bottom wall 60 of the inner bottom portion 66 of the outer tank 2. It is placed in position.

9A and 9B are views showing the conductivity detecting means, where FIG. 9A is a perspective view of an electrode and FIG. 9B is a vertical sectional view of a central portion.
As shown in FIG. 9B, the conductivity sensor 4 is a sensor that detects the conductivity of tap water before washing and the washing water during washing (washing, rinsing, dehydration), and is a sensor base made of synthetic resin. It is configured to include 71 and a pair of electrodes 72A and 72B. Further, in the conductivity sensor 4, a sensor base 71 made of non-conductive resin and electrodes 72A and 72B made of conductive metal are integrally formed by insert molding.

The sensor base 71 has an electrode support portion 71a on which the electrodes 72A and 72B are supported, and a fixing portion 71b for fixing the electrode support portion 71a to the outer tank 2.
The electrode support portion 71a has a cylindrical portion 71c1 and an upper surface portion 71c2 (upper surface) that covers the upper portion of the cylindrical portion 71c1, and a groove portion 71d extending in a band shape is formed on the upper surface portion 71c2. The groove portion 71d is formed with an oblique notch in a concave shape when the cylindrical portion 71c1 is viewed from the front to form an inclined water flow channel 4a.

Further, electrodes 72A and 72B are arranged on the side walls 4b and 4b of the groove 71d so as to be flush with each other on the side surfaces of the side walls 4b and 4b. Further, a rib 71e is formed along the electrodes 72A and 72B at the center of the bottom surface 71d4 of the groove portion 71d.
The fixing portion 71b is a member constituting the bottom surface of the sensor base 71, and has a mounting portion 71f having a substantially triangular plate shape from the lower end portion of the electrode support portion 71a. The mounting portion 71f is formed so as to project outward with respect to the electrode supporting portion 71a, and screw insertion holes 71f1 are formed at the three corners of the mounting portion 71f.
An annular portion 71g formed so as to surround the electrode support portion 71a is formed in the mounting portion 71f between the screw insertion hole 71f1 and the electrode support portion 71a so as to project upward. The upper end portion 71g1 of the annular portion 71g is formed so as to extend to a substantially intermediate portion in the vertical direction (height direction) of the electrode support portion 71a in the vertical direction (height direction).
The bottom side of the electrode support portion 71a of the sensor base 71 is open, and a part of the electrodes 72A and 72B provided on the electrode support portion 71a protrudes downward in the cylindrical portion 71c1.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the electrodes 72A and 72B each have the same flat plate shape, and the detection portion 72a protruding into the groove portion 71d, the resin fixing portion 72 fixed to the electrode support portion 71a, and the detection. It has a connector connection portion 72c to which a connector (not shown) is connected. By forming the electrodes 72A and 72B into a flat plate shape in this way, the electrode area can be secured wider than that of the rod-shaped electrode, and stable conductivity can be detected.

The detection portion 72a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and is formed so as to have a larger surface area than the resin fixing portion 72b and the connector connecting portion 72c. Further, the detection unit 72a is formed so that its length L is shorter than the length Lm of the groove portion 71d. Further, the upper end edge portion 72a1 of the detection portion 72a is formed in an arc shape. By forming the upper end edge portion 72a1 in an arc shape in this way, it is possible to prevent dust such as lint from being caught by eliminating the corner portion.

The resin fixing portion 72b has a first fixing portion 72b1 having the same width as the detection portion 72a and a second fixing portion 72b2 having a width narrower than that of the detection portion 72a.
The first fixing portion 72b1 has a substantially T-shaped through hole 72b3. The second fixing portion 72b2 has a tapered portion 72b4 whose both end edges are tapered from the first fixing portion 72b1 to the connector connecting portion 72c.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the back side of the electrode support portion 72A (the surface opposite to the surface on which the groove portion 71d is formed) protrudes downward at a position corresponding to the side walls 4b and 4b of the groove portion 71d. A ridge portion 71h is formed. The through hole 71b3 is located in the ridge portion 71h.
As a result, the resins at the time of insert molding are connected via the through holes 72b3, so that the electrodes 72A and 72B are firmly supported by the sensor base 71. Further, by securing a large area of the through hole 72b3 as in the embodiment, the electrodes 72A (72B) are more firmly supported by the sensor base 71.

The conductivity sensor 4 is arranged on the left side of the recess. At this time, the groove portion 71d of the conductivity sensor 4 is configured to be a substantially continuous surface along the outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer tank 2. As a result, for example, in the dehydration step during the washing operation, a part of the rinse water discharged from the through hole 3b of the drum 3 to the outer tub 2 and the liquid flowing down from the water supply path 65 are discharged from the groove portion 71d (conductivity sensor 4). It becomes easier to pass through running water dew 4a). Further, the left and right side walls 4b and 4b of the groove portion 71d each have a slightly recessed portion (not shown), and the electrodes 72A and 72B are arranged so as to fit into the recessed portion, respectively. Therefore, since the electrodes 72A and 72B are provided on the side walls 4b and 4b so that only the surface is exposed and the side walls 4b and 4b are substantially flush with each other, lint and the like are not caught.

The outer peripheral wall 2c of the outer tank 2 and the bottom surface 71d4 of the groove portion 71d of the conductivity sensor 4 are greatly inclined with respect to the bottom surface portion of the recess. The inclination angle of the bottom surface 71d4 is set to, for example, 6 degrees. By setting the bottom surface 71d4 of the groove portion 71d of the conductivity sensor 4 to such an inclination angle, it is possible to prevent water from staying on the conductivity sensor 4 and corroding the electrodes 72A and 72B.

The control device 100 is mainly composed of the microcomputer 110. The microcomputer 110 includes an operation pattern database 111, a process control unit 112, a rotation speed calculation unit 113, a clothing weight calculation unit 114, a conductivity measurement unit 115, a water temperature determination unit 116, a hardness determination unit 117, and a detergent. It includes a type determination unit 118, a stain concentration determination unit 119, a water temperature / hardness effect calculation unit 120, a detergent type / stain concentration effect calculation unit 121, and a washing time determination unit 122.

The operation switches 12 and 13 allow the user to input the driving course, and output the input signal to the microcomputer 110.
The water level sensor 58 is capable of detecting the water level of the water stored inside the outer tank 2, and outputs the detected signal to the microcomputer 110.
The temperature sensor T1 is provided in the lower part of the circulation pump 54 (for example, the casing 67) so that the temperature of the water circulating inside the outer tank 2 and the circulation pump 54 can be detected. It is also possible to detect the temperature of water continuously drained from the outer tank 2. The temperature sensor T1 may be provided in addition to the circulation pump 54 (for example, the lower part of the outer tank 2). The temperature sensor T2 is provided on the intake side of the blower fan 39 so as to be able to detect the temperature of the air taken into the blower fan 39 from the outer tank 2. The temperature sensor T3 is provided on the exhaust side of the blower fan 39 and on the downstream side of the heater (not shown), and can detect the temperature of the air blown from the blower fan 39 into the drum 3. There is. The signals detected by the temperature sensors T1 to T3 are output to the microcomputer 110.
The acceleration sensor 71 is attached to the outer tub 2 and detects the vibration of the outer tub 2 (drum 3). The signal detected by the acceleration sensor is output to the microcomputer 110.

The rotation detection device 70 is composed of, for example, a resolver and can detect the rotation of the motor M, and the detected signal is output to the microcomputer 110.
The motor current detection device 72 can detect the current value of the motor M, and the detected signal is output to the microcomputer 110.
The conductivity sensor 4 is capable of detecting the conductivity of the water stored inside the outer tank 2, and the detected signal is output to the microcomputer 110.

The microcomputer 110 has a function of calling an operation pattern corresponding to the operation course input from the operation switches 12 and 13 from the operation pattern database 111 and starting washing and / or drying. The process control unit 112 has a function of operating and controlling each process of the washing process, the rinsing process, the dehydration process, and the drying process based on the operation pattern called from the operation pattern database 111.

In each process, the process control unit 112 has a function of controlling the display 22, the water supply unit 15, the water supply solenoid valve 21, and the drain valve 53. Further, the process control unit 112 drives and controls the motor M via the motor drive circuit 130, and controls the energization of the heater (not shown) by controlling the ON / OFF of the heater switch 131, and the fan drive circuit. It has a function of controlling the blower fan 39 via 132 and driving and controlling the circulation pump 54 via the circulation pump drive circuit 133.

Here, the circulation pump 54 has a detergent melting operation in which water sucked from the drain port 51 is discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recess 63, and the water sucked from the drain port 51 is discharged from the opening of the outer tank 2. It is possible to switch between a circulation operation of discharging water from a discharge port (not shown) provided in the drum 3 to the inside of the drum 3. The configuration of the circulation pump 54 whose operation can be switched may be composed of a circulation pump and a switching valve. For example, the discharge direction can be switched by switching the rotation direction of the circulation pump. The configuration may be possible.

The rotation speed calculation unit 113 has a function of calculating the rotation speed of the motor M based on the detection value from the rotation detection device 70 that detects the rotation of the motor M.

The clothing weight calculation unit 114 has a function of calculating the weight of the laundry in the drum 3 based on the rotation speed calculated by the rotation speed calculation unit 113 and the detection value of the motor current detection device 72. As the weight of the laundry increases, the load for rotating the drum 3 increases, and a large amount of motor current flows through the motor M. Therefore, the weight of the laundry is calculated from the motor current and the rotation speed of the motor M. can do.

The conductivity measuring unit 115 has a function of measuring the conductivity of tap water supplied to the outer tub 2 and washing water by using the value detected from the conductivity sensor 4.

The detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 has a function of determining the detergent amount and the washing time of clothes based on the conductivity and the like measured by the conductivity measuring unit 115, and the details will be described later.

The water temperature measuring unit 117 has a function of determining the temperature of tap water or washing liquid supplied to the outer tub 2 based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor T1.

The hardness determination unit 118 has a function of determining the hardness of the supplied tap water based on the conductivity and the like measured by the conductivity measuring unit 115, and the details will be described later.

The detergent type determination unit 119 has a function of determining the type of the added detergent based on the conductivity and the like measured by the conductivity measuring unit 115, and the details will be described later.

The stain concentration determination unit 120 determines the concentration of stains eluted in the washing water based on the weight of the laundry determined by the clothes weight calculation unit 114 and the conductivity of the washing water determined by the conductivity measuring unit 115. It has a function, and details will be described later.

The water temperature / hardness effect calculation unit 121 has a function of determining the amount of change in detergency that has changed due to the influence of the water temperature / hardness based on the water temperature determined by the water temperature measuring unit 116 and the hardness determined by the hardness determining unit 117. It is a thing, and the details will be described later.

The detergent / dirt effect calculation unit 122 changes the cleaning power under the influence of the detergent type / dirt concentration depending on the detergent type determined by the detergent type determination unit 118 and the dirt concentration determined by the dirt concentration determination unit 119. It has a function of determining the above, and the details will be described later.

The washing operation resetting unit 123 has a function of determining the washing time and the drum rotation time based on the amount of change in the cleaning power determined by the water temperature / hardness effect calculation unit 120 and the detergent / dirt effect calculation unit 121. Details will be described later.

The water supply flow rate determination unit 151 has a function of determining the water supply flow rate when the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened and water is supplied into the outer tank 2, and the details will be described later.

The water supply time determination unit 152 has a function of determining the water supply time when the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened and water is supplied into the outer tank 2, and the details will be described later.

The water supply amount determination unit 153 has a function of determining the amount of water supplied to the outer tank 2 based on the water supply flow rate determined by the water supply flow rate determination unit 151 and the water supply time determined by the water supply time determination unit 152. , Details will be described later.

Next, the operation process of the drum type washing machine S according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG. 11 is a process diagram illustrating an operation process of a washing operation (washing-rinsing-dehydration) in the drum-type washing machine S according to the embodiment of the present invention.

In step S1, the process control unit 112 receives an input for selecting a course for the operation process of the drum-type washing machine S (course selection). Here, the user opens the door 25, puts the laundry to be selected inside the drum 3, and closes the door 25. Then, the user selects and inputs the course of the operation process by operating the operation switches 12 and 13. By operating the operation switches 8a and 8b, the course of the selected operation process is input to the process control unit 112. The process control unit 112 reads the corresponding operation pattern from the operation pattern database 111 based on the input operation process course, and proceeds to step S2. In the following description, it is assumed that the washing course (washing-rinsing twice-dehydrating) is selected.

In step S2, the process control unit 112 executes a step of detecting the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry put into the drum 3 (cloth amount sensing). Specifically, the process control unit 112 drives the motor M to rotate the drum 3, and the clothes weight calculation unit 114 calculates the weight (cloth amount) of the laundry before water injection.

In step S3, the process control unit 112 executes a step of calculating the amount of detergent and the operation time (calculation of the amount of detergent operation time). For example, the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 determines the amount of detergent to be added and the operating time by map search based on the amount of cloth detected in step S2, the conductivity (hardness) of water, and the temperature of water. Then, the process control unit 112 displays the determined detergent amount / operation time on the display 22.

In step S4, the process control unit 112 executes the detergent input waiting process (detergent input waiting process). For example, the process control unit 112 waits for a predetermined time and proceeds to step S5. Further, when the process control unit 112 is closed after the detergent charging unit 20 is opened by means for detecting the opening / closing of the detergent charging unit 7 (not shown), it is assumed that the detergent has been charged, and the process S5 It may be a forward configuration.

In step S5, the process control unit 112 executes one water supply process. For example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to directly supply water to the water supply port 29 of the outer tank 2 without passing through the detergent tray 26. When the predetermined water level is reached, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed. Further, the water supply time determination unit 152 measures the water supply time in step 5. For example, the time from opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 to closing the valve is integrated and stored.

The conductivity measuring unit 115 operates the conductivity sensor 4 and the temperature sensor T1 to measure the temperature and conductivity of tap water and calculate the hardness of the water. The water temperature and water hardness measured here are stored in the detergent amount / washing time determination unit 116 and used for the next determination of the detergent amount and washing time.

In step S6, the process control unit 112 executes the two water supply steps. For example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply detergent and water along the outer tank 2 via the detergent tray 26. When the predetermined water level is reached, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed. The water supply amount determination unit 151 stores in advance the amount of water supplied into the outer tank 2 from the predetermined water level in step S5 and the predetermined water level in step S6 (for example, 3 L). The time from the opening of the water supply solenoid valve 21 to the closing of the valve is measured (for example, 0.2 minutes), and this time is divided by the amount of water stored in advance to determine the water supply flow rate (for example, 15 L / min). ). At this time, it is desirable that the water level is set so that the water surface does not appear in the drum 3 because it is possible to prevent the water supply from being contained in the clothes. Further, the water supply time determination unit 152 measures the water supply time up to step 6. For example, the time from opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 to closing the valve is integrated, and further added to and stored in the water supply time up to step 5 stored in the water supply time determination unit 152.

In step S7, the process control unit 112 executes one step of melting the detergent (detergent melting operation). Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to discharge the water and the detergent sucked from the drain port 51 from the circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recessed portion 63. The water and detergent discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) flow through the recess 63, head toward the drain port 51, and circulate. As a result, the water and the detergent are agitated, and the detergent is dissolved in the water. After a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed, the process control unit 112 stops the circulation pump 54.

In step S8, the detergent type determination unit 119 executes the detergent type determination (detergent type determination). The detergent type determination will be described with reference to FIG.

In step S200, the conductivity measuring unit 115 measures the water temperature t and the conductivity EC of the washing liquid having a high detergent concentration generated in the detergent melting operation (S7). When measuring the conductivity EC, it is desirable that the water supply to the outer tank 2 by the water supply solenoid valve 21, the circulation by the circulation pump 54, and the rotation of the drum 3 by the motor M are stopped.

In step S201, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines whether or not the electric conductivity EC measured in step S200 is smaller than the first threshold electric conductivity EC1. The first threshold conductivity EC1 is set based on the temperature and conductivity (hardness) of water before the detergent is added, which is detected in step S5 (see FIG. 11). When the conductivity EC is smaller than the first threshold conductivity EC1 (S201 · Yes), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the conductivity EC is not smaller than the first threshold conductivity EC1 (S201 / No), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S202.

In step S202, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines whether or not the conductivity EC measured in step S200 is smaller than the second threshold conductivity EC2. The second threshold conductivity EC2 is set based on the temperature and conductivity (hardness) of water before the detergent is added, which is detected in step S5 (see FIG. 11). When the conductivity EC is smaller than the second threshold conductivity EC2 (S202 · Yes), the process of the detergent state determination unit 119 proceeds to step S204. On the other hand, when the conductivity EC is not smaller than the second threshold conductivity EC2 (S202 · No), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S205.

In step S203, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines that the detergent is liquid detergent (concentrated), and switches the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 accordingly. The process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S207.

In step S204, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines that the detergent is a liquid detergent, and switches the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 accordingly. The process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S2008.

In step S205, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines that the detergent is powder detergent, and switches the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 accordingly. The process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S209.

In steps S203 to S205, the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4 are switched according to the detergent type determined by the detergent type determination unit 119. For example, the frequency of the oscillation circuit 80 changes by switching the connection of the capacitor, which is a component of the oscillation circuit 80 of the conductivity sensor 4, to a capacitor having a different capacitance. Therefore, the range of conductivity that can be read by the conductivity sensor 80 also changes. Since powder detergent tends to have high electrical conductivity, by increasing the capacitance of the capacitor, the frequency becomes high in the region where the electric resistance is low, and the detection becomes easy. Since liquid detergent (concentration) tends to have low electrical conductivity, by reducing the capacitance of the capacitor, the frequency becomes high in the region where the electrical resistance is high, and detection becomes easy. Since the conductivity of liquid detergent tends to be between that of powder detergent and liquid detergent (concentrated), detection is facilitated by setting the capacitance of the capacitor to the middle of the capacitance. Therefore, for example, if the conductivity sensor 4 retains the characteristics for detecting the conductivity of the powder detergent, it may be difficult to detect stains when other types of detergents having different conductivity are used. By switching the characteristics of the conductivity sensor 4, the optimum measurement result can be obtained according to the type of detergent, and it is not necessary to install a plurality of conductivity sensors 4.

In step S206, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines whether or not _{the water temperature t measured in step S200 is larger than the predetermined threshold temperature t c.} When the water temperature t is _{larger than the threshold temperature t c} (S206 · Yes), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, when the water temperature t is _{not larger than the threshold temperature t c} (S206, No), the process of the detergent type determination unit 119 proceeds to step S210.

In steps S207 to S210, the detergent type determination unit 119 determines the additional detergent melting time.

In steps S207 to S208, the detergent type determining unit 119 completes the detergent melting two steps of step S9 without performing the additional detergent melting operation (no additional melting operation), and completes the stain determination reference value measuring step of step S10 (the stain determination reference value measuring step). (See FIG. 11).

In step S209, the detergent type determination unit 119 performs an additional detergent melting operation (additional melting operation (T1)) in a predetermined time T1 (for example, 15 seconds), completes the detergent melting two steps of step S9, and steps. The process proceeds to the stain determination reference value measurement step (see FIG. 11) of S10.

In step S210, the detergent type determination unit 119 performs an additional detergent melting operation (additional melting operation (T2)) in a predetermined time T2 (for example, 45 seconds), ends the detergent melting two steps of step S9, and steps. The process proceeds to the stain determination reference value measurement step (see FIG. 11) of S10. The predetermined time T2 is set to be longer than the predetermined time T1.

In step S9, the process control unit 112 executes the detergent melting two steps. Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to discharge the water and the detergent sucked from the drain port 51 from the circulation discharge port (not shown) of the recessed portion 63. The water and detergent discharged from the circulation discharge port (not shown) flow through the recess 63, head toward the drain port 51, and circulate. As a result, the water and the detergent are agitated, and the detergent is dissolved in the water. When the additional melting time determined in steps S207 to S210 elapses, the process control unit 112 stops the circulation pump 54, ends the detergent melting two steps, and proceeds to step 10.

In step S10, the stain concentration determination unit 120 calculates a reference value for determining the stain concentration according to the detergent type determined in steps S203, S204, and S205 (stain determination reference value measurement). In this calculation, the water supply flow rate determined by the water supply flow rate determining means 151 in step 7 and the water supply time determined by the water supply time determining means 152 by step S11 are calculated based on the conductivity measured in step S200 before the dirt melts. The water supply amount determining means 150 determines the water supply amount based on the product of the above, and determines how much the detergent solution is diluted. As a result, the accuracy of the dirt concentration determination unit 120 can be improved by taking the conductivity of the clean washing liquid, which is necessary for the dirt concentration determination, as a reference.

When water is supplied after step S10, the water supply time determining means 152 recalculates the water supply time, the water supply amount determining means recalculates the water supply amount, and the dirt concentration determining unit 120 is used for determining the dirt concentration. Recalculate and update the reference value. As a result, it is possible to correct the change in the dirt concentration due to water supply and improve the accuracy of the dirt concentration determination unit 120.

The concentrated type liquid detergent, which requires only one rinsing operation, has a smaller conductivity than the liquid detergent having two rinsing operations. Therefore, the number of rinsings is determined based on the determination result by the stain concentration determination unit 120. You may change it.

In step S11, the process control unit 112 executes the rotary water supply process. Specifically, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to raise the water level of the washing liquid in the outer tub 2, and the motor M is controlled to rotate the drum 3 at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 40 rpm). Rotate in the direction to replace the clothes. Further, the circulation pump 54 is controlled to have a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 2600 rpm), and the washing liquid having a high detergent concentration sucked from the drain port 51 is provided in the opening of the outer tub 2 by a nozzle (shown). By discharging the water from the inside of the drum 3, the clothes inside the drum 3 are infiltrated.

Then, when the water level of the washing liquid in the outer tub 2 rises to a predetermined water level, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed). The water supply time determination unit 152 recalculates the water supply time. For example, the time from opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 in step S11 to closing the valve is measured and integrated. Further, it is added to and stored in the water supply time up to step 10 stored in the water supply time determination unit 152. When a predetermined time elapses after starting the rotary water supply step, the rotary water supply step is ended and the process proceeds to step S12.

In step S12, the process control unit 112 executes the push-washing step. The push-washing step is a step of impregnating clothes with a washing liquid having a high detergent concentration generated in the detergent-dissolving step. The washing power is improved by impregnating the clothes with a washing liquid having a high detergent concentration and pushing out the dirt adhering to the clothes together with the washing liquid by the centrifugal dehydration effect. Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to have a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200 rpm, circulation flow rate 48 L / min), and sucks the washing liquid from the drain port 51 into the outer tub 2. A nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the drum 3 discharges the inside of the drum 3. Further, by controlling the motor M to rotate the drum 3 at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 100 rpm), the centrifugal force on the clothes exceeds the gravity, and the clothes inside the drum 3 are placed on the inner peripheral wall surface of the drum 3. The washing liquid to be attached and contained in the clothes is pushed out to the outer tub 2 through the through hole 3b of the drum 3 together with the dirt adhering to the clothes. That is, in the push-washing step, the washing liquid is continuously permeated and dehydrated into the clothes to promote the replacement of the washing liquid contained in the clothes. In the push-washing of the present embodiment, the drum 3 is rotated in the forward direction, but the drum 3 may be rotated in both the reverse direction and the forward and reverse directions. When a predetermined time (for example, 3 minutes) has elapsed, the process control unit 112 ends the push-washing process and proceeds to step S13.

In step S13, the process control unit 112 executes the make-up water step. Specifically, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply water to the outer tank 2. When water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed to stop the water supply. The water supply time determination unit 152 recalculates the water supply time. For example, the time from opening the water supply solenoid valve 21 in step S13 to closing the valve is measured and integrated. Further, it is added to and stored in the water supply time up to step 12 stored in the water supply time determination unit 152. Further, the motor temperature measuring unit 161 measures the temperature of the motor M by the motor temperature detection sensor 160.

In step S14, the process control unit 112 executes the beating step 1. The tapping step is to lift the clothes accumulated in the lower part of the drum 3 by the rotation of the drum 3, and the gravity is stronger than the centrifugal force on the clothes, so that the clothes are dropped from the upper part in the drum 3 to make the clothes. It is a process that gives mechanical force to the clothes.

Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to have a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200 rpm, circulation flow rate 48 L / min), and sucks the washing liquid from the drain port 51 into the outer tub 2. A nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the drum 3 discharges the inside of the drum 3. Further, the process control unit 112 controls the motor M to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 40 rpm), thereby washing the clothes inside the drum 3. After a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes), the motor temperature measuring unit 161 measures the temperature of the motor M by the motor temperature detection sensor 160, and the process control unit 112 ends the beating step 1 and steps S15. Proceed to.

In step S15, the stain concentration determination unit 120 determines the stain concentration of clothing (stain concentration determination). Specifically, the conductivity measuring unit 115 measures the conductivity of the washing liquid with the conductivity sensor 4. When measuring the conductivity EC, it is desirable that the water supply to the outer tank 2 by the water supply solenoid valve 21, the circulation by the circulation pump 54, and the rotation of the drum 3 by the motor M are stopped.

As for the washing liquid in step S15, dirt is eluted into the washing liquid in steps S12 to S14. That is, the reference value recalculated up to step S15 and the amount of change in the conductivity of the washing liquid (dirt determination value) measured in step 15 are values changed by dirt, and it is possible to detect the degree of dirt on clothes. become. Since the amount of change in dirt may change positively or negatively depending on the dirt component contained in the clothes, the amount of change in dirt may be determined by an absolute value.

As for the stain determination value, when the degree of dirt on the clothes is uniform, the larger the amount of clothes, the larger the stain determination value. The stain concentration determination unit 120 calculates the stain concentration from the experimentally obtained relational expression from the stain determination value and the clothing weight calculated by the clothing weight calculation unit 114. When the dirt concentration is calculated, the process control unit 112 ends the dirt concentration determination step and proceeds to step 16.

In step 16, the washing operation resetting unit 123 executes the washing operation resetting step (washing operation resetting). To reset the washing operation, the degree of influence of information determined during operation such as dirt amount (dirt concentration), water quality (water temperature, hardness), detergent type, etc. on cleaning performance is judged by the amount of change in cleaning power, and the cleaning power The washing time and drum rotation time are determined according to the amount of change. The detergency according to the embodiment of the present invention uses a detergency ratio. By the way, the washing ratio is the ratio of the washing degree of the test washing machine to the washing degree of the standard washing machine, and is stipulated in the Japanese industrial standard "Performance measurement method of household electric washing machine (JISC9811)". That is, the higher the cleaning ratio, the higher the cleaning performance. In this embodiment, the cleaning ratio is used as an index of detergency, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a sensor or the like for measuring the hue of clothes may be provided, and the amount of hue change during the washing operation may be used.

For the degree of influence on the cleaning power, the amount of change in the cleaning ratio is calculated from the two pieces of information, and finally the amount of change in the cleaning ratio is obtained from all the information. For example, the water temperature / hardness effect calculation unit 121 substitutes the water temperature and hardness measured in step S5 into the experimentally obtained relational expression (relationship between water quality and cleaning ratio) to obtain the cleaning ratio. In addition, the cleaning ratio obtained by substituting the conditions for sufficiently removing stains (for example, water temperature 25 ° C., hardness 30 ppm) into the relational expression of water quality and cleaning ratio is used as a reference, and the relative values are affected by the water temperature and hardness. It is the amount of change in the cleaning ratio.

The detergent / stain effect calculation unit 122 substitutes the stain concentration calculated in step 15 into the experimentally obtained relational expression (relationship between the stain concentration and the cleaning ratio) to obtain the cleaning ratio. Here, the relational expression between the stain concentration and the cleaning ratio differs depending on the detergent type. The detergent / stain effect calculation unit 122 selects a relational expression between the stain concentration and the cleaning ratio according to the detergent type determined in step S8. In addition, the cleaning ratio obtained by substituting the condition for sufficiently removing stains (for example, 1x the stain concentration) into the relational expression between the stain concentration and the cleaning ratio is used as a reference, and the relative value affects the influence of the detergent type and the stain concentration. It is the amount of change in the cleaning ratio received.

The amount of change in the cleaning ratio based on all the information is the sum of the amount of change in the cleaning ratio (the amount of change in cleaning power) obtained by the water temperature / hardness effect calculation unit 121 and the detergent / dirt effect calculation unit 122.

The washing operation resetting unit 123 substitutes the amount of change in the washing power into the experimentally obtained relational expression (the relational expression between the washing time and the washing ratio) to determine the additional washing time (Tw). Further, from the relative value of the temperature of the motor M detected in step S14 and the temperature of the motor M detected in steps S13 and S14, the motor M when the drum 3 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions for an additional washing time (Tw). Estimate the temperature of. When the estimated temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the time for rotating the drum 3 in one direction is shortened. The washing operation resetting unit 123 recalculates the additional washing time (Tw) and the time for rotating the drum 3 in one direction so that the temperature of the motor M does not exceed a predetermined temperature.

In step S17, the process control unit 112 executes the beating step 2. Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the circulation pump 54 to have a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200 rpm, circulation flow rate 48 L / min), and sucks the washing liquid from the drain port 51 into the outer tub 2. A nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the drum 3 discharges the inside of the drum 3. Further, the process control unit 112 controls the motor M to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions at a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 40 rpm), thereby washing the clothes inside the drum 3. At this time, the drum rotates in one direction for the time determined in step S16. When the additional washing time (Tw) determined in step S16 elapses, the process control unit 112 ends the tapping step 2 and proceeds to step S18.

In step S18, the process control unit 112 executes the drainage process. The motor M and the circulation pump 54 are stopped, the drain valve 53 is opened, and the washing water in the outer tub 2 is drained. The water level sensor 58 continues to monitor the water level of the washing water in the outer tub 2 during drainage. When the detected value of the water level sensor 58 falls below the predetermined water level, the drainage step is terminated and the process proceeds to step S19.

In step S19, the process control unit 112 executes one dehydration step. While the drain valve 53 is maintained open, the drum 3 is rotated in the opposite direction at high speed (for example, 1250 rpm) to dehydrate the washing water contained in the clothes. When the predetermined time elapses, one dehydration step is completed and the process proceeds to step 20.

In step S20, the process control unit 112 executes the rotary shower process. While rotating the drum 3 in the opposite direction at a medium speed (for example, 105 rpm), the drain valve 53 is closed and the water supply solenoid valve 21 is controlled to spray water on clothes. The control time of the water supply solenoid valve 21 at this time is determined based on the amount of cloth detected in step S2. When the predetermined time elapses, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed). Further, the circulation pump 54 is controlled to have a predetermined speed (for example, 3200 rpm), and the washing liquid sucked from the drain port 51 is sucked into the drum 3 from a nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the outer tub 2. Discharge inside. When a predetermined time elapses, the circulation pump 54 is stopped, the drain valve 53 is opened, and the rinse water in the outer tank 2 is drained.

In step S21, the process control unit 112 executes two dehydration steps. While the drain valve 53 is maintained open, the drum 3 is rotated in the opposite direction at high speed (for example, 1250 rpm) to dehydrate the washing water contained in the clothes. When the predetermined time elapses, the dehydration 2 steps are completed, and the process proceeds to the rinse 2 steps (steps S22 to S25).

In step S22, the process control unit 112 executes the water supply process. The drain valve 53 is closed, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened, and the rinse water is supplied into the outer tank 2. When the water level rises to a predetermined level, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed), the water supply process is completed, and the process proceeds to step S23.

In step S23, the process control unit 112 executes the finishing agent (softener) water supply process. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply the rinse water containing the soft finish agent into the outer tank 2, and the rinse water supplied into the outer tank 2 and the soft finish agent are mixed in step S22.

In step S24, the process control unit 112 executes the rotary water supply / make-up water step. The water supply solenoid valve 21 is opened to supply water to the outer tank 2. When water is supplied to a predetermined water level, the water supply is stopped (for example, the water supply solenoid valve 21 is closed). Further, while supplying water, the motor M is controlled to rotate the drum 3 in the forward and reverse directions (for example, 40 rpm), and the circulation pump 54 is controlled to have a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 2600 rpm), so that the drain port 51 The rinse water sucked in from the outside is discharged into the inside of the drum 3 from a nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the outer tank 2, and the clothes are impregnated with the soft finishing agent.

In step S25, the process control unit 112 executes the rinsing and stirring step. The rinsing and stirring step is similar to the washing process in that the clothes are lifted from the upper part of the drum 3 by the rotation of the drum 3 and the gravity is stronger than the centrifugal force on the clothes. This is the process of dropping.

Specifically, the process control unit 112 controls the motor M to rotate the drum 3 (for example, 40 rpm), controls the circulation pump 54 to have a predetermined rotation speed (for example, 3200 rpm), and drains water. The rinse water sucked from the mouth 51 is discharged into the inside of the drum 3 from a nozzle (not shown) provided in the opening of the outer tank 2 to rinse the clothes. Then, when the predetermined time elapses, the rinsing and stirring step is completed, and the process proceeds to the dehydration step (steps S26 and S27).

In step S26, the process control unit 112 executes the drainage process. The motor M and the circulation pump 54 are stopped, the drain valve 53 is opened, and the rinse water in the outer tank 2 is drained. The water level sensor 58 continues to monitor the water level of the washing water in the outer tub 2 during drainage. When the detected value of the water level sensor 58 falls below the predetermined water level, the drainage step is terminated and the process proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the process control unit 112 executes the dehydration step. Specifically, the drain valve 53 is opened, and the motor M is controlled to rotate the drum 3 at a high speed (for example, 1000 rpm) to centrifuge the clothes. Then, when a predetermined time elapses, the motor M is stopped, the drain valve 53 is closed, and the washing course (washing-rinsing-dehydration) is completed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the temperature of the motor M can be estimated in advance, the time for rotating the drum 3 in one direction can be reset, and the temperature rise of the motor M during the additional washing (Tw) can be suppressed. Further, since the additional washing (Tw) time is recalculated according to the rotation time of the drum 3, the desired washing power can be obtained even if the rotation time of the drum 3 is shortened.

In this embodiment, the temperature rise of the motor M is suppressed by shortening the time for the drum 3 to rotate in one direction, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if the temperature rise of the motor M can be suppressed. For example, the rotation stop time of the drum 3 may be increased, or the rotation speed of the drum 3 may be changed.

Although the drum type washing machine has been described above as the washing machine according to the present embodiment, the washing machine is not limited to this, and a vertical type washing machine may be used.

Further, the means for determining the dirt concentration has been described with the conductivity sensor 4, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and any means as long as it can detect the state of the washing liquid may be used.

Further, the conductivity sensor 4 (conductivity detecting means) is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment, and may be any configuration that can detect the conductivity of the detergent solution. For example, it has been described that the capacitance of the capacitor of the oscillation circuit 80 is changed to switch the characteristics, but a resistor or a coil may be used instead of the capacitor.

Further, although the water supply amount determination means has been described by the water supply amount determination unit 150, it is not limited to this embodiment and may be any one that can detect the water supply amount.

S Drum type washing machine M motor (drive device)
1 Housing 2 Outer tank 3 Drum 4 Conductivity detection means 21 Water supply solenoid valve 54 Circulation pump 112 Process control unit 123 Washing operation resetting unit 160 Motor temperature detection sensor 161 Motor temperature measurement unit

Claims (1)

With the housing
An outer tank that is elastically supported inside the housing and can store liquid inside,
A drum that is rotatably supported in the outer tub and accommodates laundry,
A drive device that rotationally drives the drum and
A temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the driving device and
An electric conductivity detecting means for detecting the electric conductivity of the water supplied into the outer tank, and
Detergent type determining means for determining the type of detergent based on the conductivity detected by the conductivity detecting means, and
With the rotation of the drum stopped, the reference value for determining the stain concentration before the stain is dissolved, which is calculated according to the type of detergent determined by the detergent type determining means, and the reference value for determining the stain concentration after the stain is dissolved. A stain concentration determining means for calculating a stain determination value from the conductivity and the stain determination value and determining the stain concentration of the laundry in the outer tub based on the stain determination value and the amount of clothes.
In a washing machine including the driving device, the temperature detecting means, the detergent type determining means, and the operation controlling means for controlling the stain concentration determining means.
After executing the first tapping operation, the operation control means stirs the tapping from the washing time set based on the stain concentration determined by the stain concentration determining means and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means. During the process, the time for the drum to rotate in one direction is set, and the second tap washing is executed based on the set washing time and the time for the drum to rotate in one direction, and the set washing is performed. The temperature of the drive device at the time of the second tapping estimated from the time and the temperature of the drive device is estimated, and when the estimated temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the time for rotating the drum in one direction is shortened. , A washing machine that features that.

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